Why is chardonnay the winemaker's wine?
Much like your fave denim jacket, chardonnay might not be the wine you pull out to impress your trending trailblazer mates, but it's the wine you grab when you need something tried, tested and oh so true. Chardonnay has achieved its status as the world's favourite vino for a good reason. But what makes it more charming than an account exec on a first date?
In honour of International Chardonnay Day, we've gathered a couple of our fave Yarra Valley winemakers, Rob Dolan from Rob Dolan Wines and Clare Halloran from Tarrawarra Estate to hear their reasons as to why they dig chardonnay.
Here are some reasons why making chardonnay is so special to these winemakers:
Rob Dolan
"The wines show individuality based on site and it is a robust grape variety able to take almost anything a winemaker throws at it . Being such a flexible grape variety with respect to its growing environment, means we can enjoy chardonnays across the price and style spectrum - everything from sparkling wine to richly textured, barrel fermented styles.
Winemaker and viticultural techniques ensure a vast array of styles, early picking keeps the acidity zippy and the flavour profile ranges from citrus/grapefruit and flinty struck match character to the fuller bodied white peach and nectarine styles with rich complexity and texture."
Clare Halloran
"I love the way chardonnay can be like a sign post to a region; in its purest form the where and how it’s grown and made jump out of the glass and takes you on a journey.
It is also transmutable, from the tightness of Champagne to the creamy, long and fine aged chardonnays, it takes on many characteristics, each one as delicious as the next."
Homeless Grapes Project
Both of these legends donated grapes to make our Homeless Grapes Project Chardonnay 2019, which will be available for purchase online very soon. In the mean time, you can purchase Homeless Grapes Project Chardonnay 2018, and the wine in the glass speaks volumes. Every cent from this Yarra Valley Chardonnay goes to St Mary’s House of Welcome, an amazing frontline charity who provide hot food, accomodation, support and essential services to those experiencing homelessness in Melbourne.
The coming together of grapes from Tarrawarra, De Bortoli and Rochford creates a harmonious whole that seems to have amplified the best parts of each. It’s fine, fleshy and minerally all at once. Its steely backbone is wrapped up in honeydew melon, grapefruit pith and almond croissant flavours. It weaves a long, captivating story on your palate, with effortless generosity that echoes the intent of the Homeless Grapes project.
As if you already didn’t feel good about buying chardonnay-nay. Get online, buy some here, and let the variety speak for itself.
Happy Chardonnay Day!